Central African Republic officials, including interim President Michel Djotodia, say they are in talks with Kony, who they believe is in the town of Nzako.

“The president said he had spoken by telephone with Joseph Kony who wants to lay down his arms,” government spokesman Gaston Mackouzangba told The Associated Press. “The negotiations are ongoing.”

Kony is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. The Obama administration has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Kony and two of his top lieutenants, Okot Odhiambo and Dominic Ongwen.

In April, U.S. and Ugandan officials put military operations to nab Kony on hold after Seleka rebels overran the country, overthrew President Francois Bozize and took over the capital, Bangui.

Kony previously has used lulls in fighting and negotiations to relocate his rebels and replenish their ranks.

“Many times in the past, Joseph Kony and his senior commanders have used — and we believe will continue to use — any and every pre-text to rest, regroup and rearm, ultimately returning to kidnapping, killing, displacing and otherwise abusing civilian populations,” the State Department official said.

Michael Poffenberger, executive director of the anti-LRA advocacy group The Resolve, said an LRA group represented by a mid-level commander has been engaged in dialogue with local authorities in Nzako since August.

“There has been no concrete evidence that [Kony] is in any way associated [with the talks],” Mr. Poffenberger said. “Furthermore, there is concern that this group is only using this as an opportunity to gain food and supplies for the LRA, which they have now been given by the CAR authorities.”

The LRA operates in jungles straddling the borders of the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.

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About the Author

Ashish Kumar Sen is a reporter covering foreign policy and international developments for The Washington Times.

Prior to joining The Times, Mr. Sen worked for publications in Asia and the Middle East. His work has appeared in a number of publications and online news sites including the British Broadcasting Corp., Asia Times Online and Outlook magazine.